can I still do single track and not worry about my arm

rockwell_girl

can I still do single track and not worry about my arm

rockwell_girl

Last year I got into adventure racing and did a lot of mountain biking on single tracks (wooded area with logs and dirt) which sometime I would go down and get my arms scratched up.  Plus went trekking through the woods which sometimes I would get sctatched up.  Will I be able to continue to do this or do I have to be worried about my arm getting cuts and scratches?  As far as I can tell I should still be able to conoe and road bike and hope to keep doing repels.  I had some much fun last year getting into that sport and even did my 1st 24 hour race last Sept which we got done in 18 1/2 hours. 

AnneW

You rock, girl! What fun!

My rule of thumb for lymphedema protection is to clean up cuts and scratches right away. I carry Purell and antibiotic ointment in every pack I own!

I think all the exercise has helped me develop a good collateral lymph circulation, so I keep doing it. Climbing, hiking, biking--it's all good, for me.

Keep active, and be smart. Infection is the biggest cause of LE. Prevent that, and you should be fine. (Unless you do adventure races in the Amazon and have to fight off leeches! Ewww.)

Anne

rockwell_girl

That's great news!  This weekend I told one of my teammates I wasn't sure if I could race anymore and he was real disappointed.  But we'll just make sure we add those items to our packs.  Thanks for the comment Anne

roseg

I'd also make sure I was well conditioned.

I started kayaking a few summers ago, and at first it bothered my reconstructed side. The overhead motion of swinging the paddle. If I started off easy and worked up to a longer time it worked better.

Usually bike trips are pretty easy as you have to peddle a bit before you get into the fun part, so you should be warmed up. 

larousse

I am also wondering if I should still mountain bike. My worry is breaking ribs after rads from a fall. I heard that it depletes the bones from calcium and that the ribs can get brittle. Does anybody knows how long it takes for the bones to regain their strength, or will they ever become strong again?